Curious black IIIa

[Dralowid]

At first sight I thought this was a conversion but the number is correct for a IIIa. (At the risk of starting an argument) I have come to the conclusion that original black IIIa do not exist, although it is said that a series of numbers was set aside for them.

Looking at the camera further, the paint is 'heavy', the Woods Metal engraving has gone and is replaced by paint, someone has covered over a flash socket and the rewind lever is much later.

So I guess I have answered my own question (which I never got round to asking)!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/leica-III...303?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c9cc847cf

 

[Erik van Straten]

The fact that there is chrome trim and the fact that this is in a bad condition suggests that this is a postwar conversion. The lens is prewar. Nice that it has notches in the retaining ring at front. Will be easy to clean. All in all not an unattractive camera for this price if the curtains are still in a good condition.

Erik.

 

[Dralowid]

Erik,

I'm not sure that it is a 'proper' conversion, after all the number is that of a IIIa. The top housing is, I think, pre war. I suspect someone has had a go at painting an old chrome IIIa that at one point in its life was synchronised.

Michael

 

[Erik van Straten]

I suspect someone has had a go at painting an old chrome IIIa .

Yes, you are probably right; there is some underpainting in red visible around the tripod-nut.

Erik.

 

[Yan Silis]

I have very same camera in my collection, nickeled with original 1/1000 engraving. Looks like conversion to me but... where they got nickeled nor chrome parts?